Mazda Motor Corporation has announced the introduction of the all-new Mazda BT-50 ute, premiered to the world on 17 June 2020. The announcement marks the return of the BT-50 to the New Zealand market for the first time in nine years.

The new BT-50 showcases Mazda’s Kodo – “Soul of Motion” design language. The front grille, hood, and lights are immediately recognisable from the wider Mazda vehicle range, being arranged in a wider format to offer a tougher stance on the new ute. The strong presence of the BT-50 is intended to appeal to a variety of different working and lifestyle customers.

The all-new BT-50 is supplied by Isuzu Motor Limited, based upon Isuzu’s D-Max platform. The BT-50 offers a 3-litre (2999cc) diesel engine, producing 140kW at 3,600rpm and 450Nm between 1,600-2600rpm. The BT-50 offers a towing capacity of 3,500kg, and a max tray payload of more than a tonne. The vehicle comes on 18-inch alloys as standard.

The BT-50 also offers a full suite of safety technology, including Auto Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control.

The designers hope to sway buyers that may have been tentative on a ute, by claiming to offer a premium feel inside the new BT-50. The interior offers a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, leather seats and a well-appointed dashboard with premium-feeling switchgear.    

Since debuting in 2006, the BT-50’s target markets remain as Oceania, South-East Asian (ASEAN), Central and South America, the Middle East and Africa.

The vehicle will go on sale in the Australasian market in the latter half of 2020.

The team at DriveLife looks forward to doing a full length feature review.

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Alistair Weekes
A millennial who prefers driving cars to having avocado on toast.

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